Arsenal transfer news and rumours: Is Paul Georges Ntep on his way to North London?

Tug of war: Saul Niguez has attracted the attention of a number of clubs around Europe (Image: 2013 Getty Images)

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January is already proving to be a costly month for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger as injuries start to bite at the north London side.

His side travel to struggling Aston Villa on Monday knowing a win would strengthen their hold at the top of the table.

And now that the Gunner's boss has lost his stingy tag by dusting off his cheque book in the summer to capture German star Mesut Ozil, perhaps he could be tempted to make a few more elite additions to his squad.

And now that Rafa Benitez's bid has been turned down the road is now clear for them to move at the end of the season.

Sunday's Arsenal transfer gossip and rumours from other newspapers and websites

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The Daily Star are reporting that Arsenal snap up Schalke forward Julian Draxler after discovering he has a £40million buy-out clause in his contract.

The 20-year-old attacking midfielder is being touted as a young player to watch for Germany in the World Cup in Brazil this summer after a brilliant season in the Bundesliga club Schalke 04 and has already been capped 10 times by Germany boss Joachim Loew.

The German club have already conceded they could lose the starlet who became the youngest ever player to pull on their famous blue shirt when he burst onto the scene in January 2011.

"We still hope that Julian stays, but there are elements we can't influence Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt admitted to Bild last week.

Paul Georges Ntep could be on his way to Arsenal after posting a picture of himself on Instagram travelling to north London according to hereisthecity.com.

Reports in France last week suggested the Gunners boss is keeping tabs on Auxerre striker.

Glory days: Eduardo was once tipped for big things at Arsenal (Image: Getty)

The striker is currently plying his trade for Shakhtar Donetsk and has been linked with a move to Italy in recent weeks.

And although he was quick to point out he is not in any talks with Arsenal about a return in the next few weeks, he did leave the door open for an emotional return at some point.

Eduardo told Il Sussidiario: "I do not know anything about it, other than what I read in the media.

"But of course, who would not like to go to Arsenal? Everybody knows that when I left, everything was done in a friendly manner.

"We are still friends and after leaving I spoke several times with Arsene Wenger. I still have many friends in London but of course this does not mean that I will come back to Arsenal."

Another old boy that would be welcomed back to the club with open arms is Gilberto Silva.

A World Cup winner with Brazil in 2002, the tough tackling midfielder accepted an invitation from the Arsenal boss to train with the Gunners during his holiday.

"It’s always good to go back to Arsenal,” he told Chinese news outlet Xinhua. “It’s my home in Europe. To go back to the club, see old friends and absorb everything that I experienced is always special. I thought I was only going back to visit but I ended up training there. It was great to relive some great memories.”

Rumours of a return may be a bit wide of the mark, but his future is in doubt after he revealed he has yet to renew his contract with Atletico Mineiro.

Speaking upon his return to Brazil the 37-year-old said he hoped to agree to terms with the Brazilian club this week.

“We still haven’t spoken. It’s the first time in my life that I have ended a contract without having another offer on the table,” Gilberto said. “But I’m not worried. I hope to speak to the club this week."

He helped Atletico to victory in last year’s Copa Libertadores and believes he still has something to offer the club.

“My priority is to stay at Atletico, now it’s up to the club to make a decision,” Gilberto said.